The holidays are here, and with them come tables overflowing with an abundance of delicious Christmas food. However, if you have gone through gastric bypass, the festive season may pose an unusual challenge for you. You need to be very careful with your food choices during the holiday season to avoid complications that may arise after gastric bypass. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to deal with food after gastric bypass during the holidays.
1. Be mindful of portion sizes
When you’re at a social gathering, food temptations may surround you, making it easy to overeat. However, remember that overeating is not an option for individuals that have gone through gastric bypass. One way to overcome temptation is to use a smaller plate to manage portion sizes. Take a small portion of your favorite food and savor it slowly. This will not only help you avoid overeating but also allow you to enjoy each bite more fully.
2. Remember to stay hydrated
During the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in all the festivities and forget to stay hydrated. Remember that after gastric bypass surgery, your body needs more water. Keep a water bottle nearby and sip on it regularly to avoid dehydration. Drinking water will help you feel fuller and prevent you from overeating.
3. Stick to your dietary restrictions
Holiday feasts are usually filled with unhealthy foods that may not be recommended for a gastric bypass patient. Remember to stick to your dietary restrictions despite the distractions surrounding you. Avoid sugary and fatty foods, and opt for healthier options such as lean meat, vegetables, and fruits. Sticking to your dietary restrictions is the best way to avoid complications after gastric bypass surgery.
4. Plan ahead
If you’re attending a holiday dinner party, don’t hesitate to ask about the menu beforehand. Make a mental note of which healthy foods will be available and which ones you should avoid. This way, you’ll be able to plan your meal beforehand to avoid getting tempted with unhealthy food options. You could also bring along a healthy dish to share with others. Doing this will help ensure that there is at least one healthy option that you can eat.
5. Don’t give in to peer pressure
Peer pressure can be a real challenge during holiday gatherings. Friends and family may encourage you to eat foods that are not good for your health or that don’t fit well with your dietary restrictions. Don’t feel obligated to overeat or indulge in unhealthy foods to please others. Remember, you’re working towards a healthier you, and you need to make conscious choices to maintain your progress.
The holiday season can be a great time to celebrate with friends and family. However, for those who’ve undergone gastric bypass surgery, the festive season can present a challenge in terms of food choices. By following these tips, you’ll be able to stick to your dietary restrictions and maintain your progress towards a healthier you. Remember to be mindful of portion sizes and stay hydrated, plan ahead, and don’t give in to peer pressure. With these tips, you’re well on your way to enjoying a happy, healthy holiday season.
Grief, as much as we might wish otherwise, is an emotion that doesn't conveniently pack its bags and take off after a set period. It settles in and becomes an enduring part of us, like a tattoo on the heart. Whether it’s been two months or two years, the longing for a lost friend, brother, or child can still catch us by surprise, sweeping over us like an unexpected breeze. It’s those small moments—the favorite song coming on the radio, the scent of their favorite meal cooking, or a shared joke echoing in our mind—that bring back a flood of memories and the realization of their absence.
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